Regional Ear Cap

Villain or Ears - that's what the cap is called.

Today it is a symbol of tradition and an icon of Madeiran craft, still worn at festivals and in folklore, but it was once an essential garment for men working the fields.

It is dense and hard-wearing, made in natural colours of sheep's wool, white and dark brown. Its side flaps are detachable, and the bobble on top gives it its charm, its touch of playfulness.

The ear cap has always been handmade. The wool was spun on spindles and then knitted with five double-pointed needles, in the round, without seams. Just as Isabel da Eira, a collaborator of the Enfia o Barrete Collective, does with the knowledge and skill that time has taught her.

The Enfia o Barrete collective project was created in 2021 by Irina Andrusko and Luz Ornelas, for the research and appreciation of Madeiran wool and the preservation of the traditional ear cap. So that the tradition does not fall asleep.